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Those that has steering clunks.

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Old Jun 19, 2005 | 12:27 AM
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Default Those that has steering clunks.

I noticed that when riding over bumps I had a clunking sound coming from the front end. After reading here about others having the same issue I tightened the head bolt (frame to forks) up to 85 ft#'s and it went away. I just wanted to share this tip for others with the same problem. From what I read here the manual changed it's torque value from when the bikes were assembled.
 
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Old Jun 19, 2005 | 08:15 AM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

I ride an 05 Heritage. I had the same issue. I have the latest service manual and the torque value is not listed fot the FLSTC front forks. (pages 2-2 and 2-3) Where can I verify the 85 ft/lb number. If it isn't right, it fill flat blow out the steering stem berring. I put mine up on a lift and it was loose. Pre torque wrench only about 25 ft/lbs. I pulled it down to 45 ft/lbs and it took care of the issue (45 is what is listed for other Softails)
 
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Old Jun 19, 2005 | 09:08 AM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

The 45 LBS sounds like the old value, try looking in the torque values section of the manual and see if it is listed there. The value has been increased in other model books because of this problem.

Check out this post

http://www.vtwintalk.com/m_55422/mpa...k/tm.htm#55932
 
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Old Jun 19, 2005 | 11:14 AM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.


ORIGINAL: TCSTD

The 45 LBS sounds like the old value, try looking in the torque values section of the manual and see if it is listed there. The value has been increased in other model books because of this problem.

Check out this post

http://www.vtwintalk.com/m_55422/mpa...k/tm.htm#55932
That's the post that I read the change on. Regardless, it solved my problem. Much smoother ride now.
 
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Old Jun 19, 2005 | 01:59 PM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

It's a shame the dealers waltz us around on these things, glad it worked out for you.
 
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Old Jun 19, 2005 | 05:14 PM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

ORIGINAL: TCSTD

It's a shame the dealers waltz us around on these things, glad it worked out for you.
True. I love driving and owning a HD but with so many stories of their lack of warranty coverage and support I am surprised that people don't just give up on HD.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2005 | 10:28 AM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

I am surprised that people don't just give up on HD.
My personal feeling is that a good American V-twin motorcycle company could give HD a run for it's money if they could get off the ground with a good product and service (and enough capital to last for awhile).
 
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 02:10 AM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.


ORIGINAL: JBBOOKS

I am surprised that people don't just give up on HD.
My personal feeling is that a good American V-twin motorcycle company could give HD a run for it's money if they could get off the ground with a good product and service (and enough capital to last for awhile).
While I've never experienced any troubles with Harley or it's dealers, they've always taken great care of me and my bike. As for another American V-Twin company giving Harley a run for the money, Victory's doing a pretty good job of it. Here's a quote on the subject...

Harley shocked just about everyone with comments that motorcycle sales nationwide have been “relatively flat†in comparison with last year and that they would be cutting 10,000 units in production to account for reduced demand over the remaining year. Earnings estimates for the entire fiscal year have also been reduced with projected gains in the mid-teens sinking to the range of 5-8%. The only real good news that Harley was able to report is strong growth in foreign sales with increases of 20.6% in Europe and 10.6% in Japan.

Polaris was singing quite a different tune, proudly announcing a 12% increase in motorcycle sales and a 24% gain in international sales. Their recent push in custom parts and apparel also seems to be working out well, though not stellar, with an 8% increase in sales of parts, clothing and accessories. Also, since their widely reviewed Hammer just started shipping in March, its not a big part of the numbers for Q1, but could contribute strongly to Q2 sales.

 
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Old Jun 23, 2005 | 03:32 PM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

I have on 03 Night Train an I had the clunks... and the Dealer man told me it would take a "few" hours to repair.... at SEVENTY TWO bucks an hour. Turned out it was the left fork cap that was loose. Made a helluva noise. Took me 3 minutes to fix. Just scratching my head about why I waited.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 10:27 AM
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Default RE: Those that has steering clunks.

Had the same problem my 07 custom. Took it in to the dealer and they tightened the steering head bearings. Fixed my problem and it rides like a different bike now. Another symptom that I had with it was when I was decelerating through 45 to 40 mph. (mainly right at 40) the front end would shimmy back and forth. This fixed that problem as well. Surprisingly to charge from the dealer too.
 
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